Cormier Vs. Johnson 2: UFC 210 Predictions And Fight Analysis

5 min read Post on May 05, 2025

Cormier Vs. Johnson 2: UFC 210 Predictions And Fight Analysis

Cormier's Strengths and Fighting Style

Daniel Cormier brought a well-rounded game to the octagon, making him a formidable opponent for the explosive Anthony Johnson. His dominance stemmed from several key strengths:

Superior Wrestling

Cormier's Olympic-level wrestling background gave him a significant advantage in takedowns and control. His takedown defense was also exceptional, rarely allowing Johnson to get the upper hand on the feet.
His ability to neutralize Johnson's striking with takedowns was crucial in the first fight. By consistently taking Johnson down, Cormier disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from unleashing his devastating power.
Expect Cormier to employ his wrestling to tire Johnson and limit his power shots in the rematch. The strategy of wearing down Johnson through grappling is likely to be central to Cormier's game plan.

Ground and Pound Expertise

Cormier is a master of ground and pound, inflicting significant damage from top position. His precision and control from the top position made him incredibly difficult to escape.
His ability to transition seamlessly from takedowns to dominant ground positions is a key threat. This fluidity is a hallmark of Cormier's fighting style and allows him to maintain control even when Johnson attempts to scramble.
Look for Cormier to utilize his superior grappling to set up devastating ground and pound sequences. This strategy was incredibly effective in their first encounter and is expected to be a key factor in the rematch.

Cardio and Stamina

Cormier possesses exceptional cardio, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight. His conditioning is a significant advantage against explosive fighters who might tire later in the fight.
This endurance advantage is crucial against a power puncher like Johnson, who may tire later in the fight. Johnson's reliance on explosive power makes him vulnerable to a fighter who can maintain a high pace for all three rounds.
Expect Cormier to dictate the pace and outlast Johnson in a grueling battle. Cormier's ability to control the pace and maintain pressure over the entire fight will be critical in securing victory.

Johnson's Strengths and Fighting Style

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson was a dangerous opponent known for his explosive power. While he faced challenges against Cormier's wrestling, he possessed clear strengths of his own:

Devastating Power

Johnson is known for his explosive power punches, capable of ending the fight with a single strike. His knockout power was a constant threat, and even a brief lapse in Cormier's defense could have led to a different outcome.
His knockout power is a constant threat, forcing Cormier to be cautious and defensive. This forced Cormier to expend extra energy avoiding Johnson's attacks.
The possibility of an early knockout remains Johnson's best chance of victory. Landing one clean shot was all Johnson needed to change the fight’s trajectory.

Aggressive Striking

Johnson's relentless pressure and aggressive striking force opponents to react. His style is designed to overwhelm opponents and force mistakes.
His combinations are fast and powerful, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone. His speed and accuracy amplified his already significant power.
He needs to avoid being taken down to unleash his full striking potential effectively. This was Johnson's biggest challenge in the first fight and remains crucial in a potential rematch.

Improved Defensive Wrestling (Potential)

Johnson likely improved his defensive wrestling since the first fight. Addressing his weakness against Cormier's takedowns was a necessity for a potential victory.
This could be crucial in mitigating Cormier's takedown attempts. Improved takedown defense would give Johnson more opportunities to showcase his striking.
The success of his defensive wrestling will significantly influence the fight's outcome. His ability to stay on his feet will determine whether he can execute his game plan successfully.

Analysis of Cormier vs. Johnson 1

The first fight saw Cormier dominate through superior wrestling and ground control. Johnson's power was neutralized by Cormier's ability to consistently take him down and maintain top position. Johnson struggled to defend takedowns and found himself constantly battling from underneath, unable to unleash his striking power effectively. This highlighted the significant gap in wrestling ability between the two fighters.

Prediction and Conclusion

Weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters, the advantage heavily favors Cormier. While Johnson’s knockout power remains a constant threat, Cormier’s superior wrestling, ground game, and superior cardio give him a significant edge. We predict a Cormier victory, likely through a decision, though a late-round submission is also possible. The possibility of Johnson securing a knockout remains, but his inability to defend Cormier's takedowns from the first fight significantly diminishes his chances.

Conclusion:

The Cormier vs. Johnson 2 rematch was a highly anticipated event. Our analysis reveals a clear advantage for Cormier due to his superior wrestling and ground game. While Johnson’s knockout power remains a threat, Cormier's superior conditioning and takedown defense are likely to be decisive. We predict a Cormier victory, but the fight promises to be a thrilling encounter. Want to discuss your own predictions for Cormier vs. Johnson 2? Join the conversation in the comments below!